Maldives President Moves to Make Entry Ban on Israeli Passport Holders Permanent
President Mohamed Muizzu has introduced legislation to permanently restrict Israeli citizens from entering the Maldives and investing in local real estate, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
By Hassan Ellis ·
The Maldives is taking steps to institutionalize its restrictions on visitors from Israel. President Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday that the nation intends to make the ban on Israeli passport holders permanent. During a press conference at the Presidential Office, the President stated that Israelis will not be permitted to enter the country under any circumstances.
Muizzu explained that earlier proposals aimed to prohibit entry only until Israel halted what he described as the genocide that began following the events of October 7, 2023. However, the new legislative proposal goes further by establishing an unconditional ban. This means that any individual holding an Israeli passport would be barred from entry, regardless of how the geopolitical situation may evolve in the future.
The President characterized Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people as a genocide. He noted that the Maldives has consistently maintained this position on international stages and has advocated for the Palestinian cause through various legal mechanisms. Muizzu emphasized that the Maldivian people cannot accept the situation under any circumstances, adding that the proposed Immigration Bill was drafted to clearly reflect these governmental considerations.
The government has submitted the amendment to the Immigration Act to the People's Majlis for review. While the bill targets those with Israeli passports, the specific implications for Israeli citizens who also hold dual nationality remain unclear in the initial legislative text.
In parallel with the travel restrictions, the government has introduced a separate real estate bill to parliament. This legislation would prohibit Israeli individuals and companies from investing in property developments or purchasing real estate within the Maldives. Muizzu clarified to the press that while Israelis with a second nationality might be able to enter the country using their other passport, they would face significant hurdles in the property market. Buyers will be screened to ensure compliance with the new investment rules.
The original ban on Israeli entry was implemented last year, marking a significant shift in the nation's foreign policy. However, the Maldives' stance on the issue is not entirely new. In a presidential address in February 2025, Muizzu highlighted the priority of the Palestinian cause in the country's diplomatic efforts.
Earlier this year, in October, the President announced that the Maldives had filed a declaration of intervention regarding South Africa's application at the International Court of Justice concerning alleged actions in Gaza. This move signaled a deeper legal engagement with the conflict.
The current approach follows a broader historical context within the nation. Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated in October 2023 that the country's commitment to Palestinians was rooted in its Islamic character. He described it as a sacred responsibility for the entire Islamic community to work collectively toward alleviating the suffering of oppressed Muslims globally.
According to the Foreign Ministry's immigration website, citizenship in the Maldives can only be held by Muslims. This religious demographic reality continues to influence the nation's diplomatic and legal positions on international conflicts.
